Simonides. Knights, from my daughter this I let you know,
1015That for this twelvemonth she'll not undertake
A married life.
Her reason to herself is only known,
Which yet from her by no means can I get.

Simonides. 'Faith, by no means; she has so strictly tied
Her to her chamber, that 'tis impossible.
One twelve moons more she'll wear Diana's livery;
This by the eye of Cynthia hath she vow'd
And on her virgin honour will not break it.
1025

Simonides. So,
They are well dispatch'd; now to my daughter's letter:
She tells me here, she'd wed the stranger knight,
1030Or never more to view nor day nor light.
'Tis well, mistress; your choice agrees with mine;
I like that well: nay, how absolute she's in't,
Not minding whether I dislike or no!
Well, I do commend her choice;
1035And will no longer have it be delay'd.
Soft! here he comes: I must dissemble it.

Pericles. [Aside] What's here?
A letter, that she loves the knight of Tyre!
'Tis the king's subtlety to have my life.
1060O, seek not to entrap me, gracious lord,
A stranger and distressed gentleman,
That never aim'd so high to love your daughter,
But bent all offices to honour her.

Pericles. My actions are as noble as my thoughts,
That never relish'd of a base descent.
I came unto your court for honour's cause,
And not to be a rebel to her state;
1080And he that otherwise accounts of me,
This sword shall prove he's honour's enemy.

Pericles. Then, as you are as virtuous as fair,
Resolve your angry father, if my tongue
Did ere solicit, or my hand subscribe
To any syllable that made love to you.

Thaisa. Why, sir, say if you had,
1090Who takes offence at that would make me glad?

Simonides. Yea, mistress, are you so peremptory?
[Aside]I am glad on't with all my heart.—
I'll tame you; I'll bring you in subjection.
1095Will you, not having my consent,
Bestow your love and your affections
Upon a stranger?
[Aside]who, for aught I know,
1100May be, nor can I think the contrary,
As great in blood as I myself.—
Therefore hear you, mistress; either frame
Your will to mine,—and you, sir, hear you,
Either be ruled by me, or I will make you—
1105Man and wife:
Nay, come, your hands and lips must seal it too:
And being join'd, I'll thus your hopes destroy;
And for a further grief,—God give you joy!—
What, are you both pleased?
1110